Clay County Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase in Stolen Truck

WAYNE COUNTY, Ky. — A Clay County man is behind bars after leading police on a high-speed chase in a pickup truck he allegedly stole from his girlfriend—without her knowledge.

Kevin Adams, 48, of Manchester, was arrested Tuesday after fleeing officers in Wayne County in a series of dangerous maneuvers that ultimately ended in a foot chase.

According to police, the incident began when officers attempted to pull Adams over on West Columbia Avenue. Instead of stopping, Adams accelerated and continued onto West Kentucky Highway 92, reportedly driving at excessive speeds and nearly striking another vehicle.

The situation escalated when Adams turned onto West Kentucky Highway 3284. At that point, a passenger in the truck jumped out and fled across an open field on foot. Meanwhile, Adams continued driving and pulled into a private yard before abandoning the vehicle near a wooded area.

Police say Adams then took off on foot, prompting a pursuit that ended with his arrest.

Adams was charged with a long list of offenses, including:

·       Wanton endangerment, 1st degree (including against a police officer)

·       Evading police, 1st degree (motor vehicle)

·       Evading police, 2nd degree (on foot)

·       Resisting arrest

·       Theft by unlawful taking (automobile, $1,000–$10,000)

·       Possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree (unspecified)

·       Obstructed vision/windshield

·       Speeding 26 MPH over the posted limit

In addition, Adams was arrested on an outstanding indictment warrant out of Boyle County Circuit Court for multiple drug and firearm charges, including:

·       Trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree (methamphetamine, enhanced)

·       Trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st offense (heroin, enhanced)

·       Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon

·       Receiving stolen property ($1,000–$10,000)

Authorities confirmed the pickup truck belonged to Adams’ girlfriend, who was unaware it had been taken.

The passenger who fled the vehicle was located and questioned by deputies but was released without charges.

Adams is currently being held at the Wayne County Detention Center.